Free Tours Of Flushing During US Open

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce launched on August 17 Discover Flushing, a free walking tour program open to the public during the US Open Tennis Championships (Aug. 27 to Sept. 7). City Council Member Peter Koo, Queens Borough Historian Jack Eichenbaum, and community partners Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council, Harvey Paul Davidson of the Guides Association of New York City, Joe DiStefano of the foodie blog Chopsticks & Marrow, Shweta Parmar of Gutsier Living, and Helena Kincaid and Daniel Nalladurai of Sixty First Productions joined the announcement.

“Too many tennis fans come to the US Open and never discover the world-class restaurants, shopping or history right next door,” stated Greater Flushing Executive Director John Choe. The chamber designed this pilot program so “tennis fans can get back in time for the evening games, enjoy some of the best food in New York, or kick back with a craft cocktail at one of our rooftop lounges,” he added.

The one-hour Discover Flushing tours will meet at historic St. George’s Church and focus on the commercial corridors on Main Street, Roosevelt Avenue, Union Street, and Northern Boulevard. They will take place daily, from 5 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, except for extended tours starting at 4 pm on Fridays that highlight Flushing’s vibrant food culture.

Jack Eichenbaum, the official Queens borough historian, designed the route and stops for the walk: “I’m a Flushing native and am excited to have the opportunity to tell visitors to Flushing about the remarkable changes I’ve seen over the last 70 years.”

“Everybody knows that the US Open is the country’s biggest and best tennis tournament, but it’s also a great contributor to tourism in Queens,” said Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council. “Thousands of people from all over the world come to our borough to enjoy top-notch sports drama, but they also enjoy our equally topnotch hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. This year, they will able to take top-notch tours of Flushing, too, with – if I can use the word again – “top-notch” guides. Thanks to Flushing Fantastic for spearheading this campaign, and please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

Space is limited and advance registration is required at flushingfantastic.nyc/tours.